‘I SHALL pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer or neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again’ – (William Penn).
This may have been the unspoken ethos of retired principal and mother, Diana Lynn Warwick, who appeared to effortlessly impact upon and endear herself to so many. On Wednesday, 19 November, after a relatively short struggle with cancer, she died.
It was only at the end of September that Warwick retired and on 24 October her friends, colleagues, staff and family shared a beautiful and touching retirement and tribute evening with a weak, but brave Warwick.
Following the news of her death, condolence messages have been pouring in. Some of these messages reflect back to Warwick’s profound influence as a teacher as far back as into the 80s. She is referred to as the ‘most amazing, inspiring woman’, ‘held in so many hearts all over the world’. Colleagues hail her as ‘special and outstanding’ and others:- ‘strong, passionate, wise, caring, generous, great and memorable’.
Noted in particular was her love for books and being able to bring them to life, including stories of her antics in class, such as dancing on a school desk in red takkies. Warwick was also eloquent and her prize-giving speeches each year fascinated the audience without fail. This was an overflow both from her love of quotations, reading, curiosity about everything and everyone around her. It was a foregone conclusion of many that she would one day write a book on her remarkable life.
Outside the school’s main gate, flowers, living trees and bouquets accompanied by heartfelt letters and poems of appreciation were laid. The foyer was also filled with floral arrangements.
Warwick was a graceful woman and yet spontaneous when the moment called for it. Who among her tribute show guests will forget the delightful moment she leapt up out of her wheelchair at the finale song (her favourite, the school theme song -Simply the Best) prompting all to join in with her in jiving along to it?
The mother of Andrew and Jason (who currently lives in the USA), granny of Chloe and Allyssa, she was equally at home in her professional capacity as principal of a large school, as she was a friend and nurturing confidante to her staff and associates, who looked up to her. Warwick humbly embraced everyone, young and old.
Both the school’s garden and her own are a tribute to her absolute passion for plants (a mourner’s ‘evergreen friend’). Every morning, on her deck, she drank coffee and communed with God. “Life is sweet. Embrace every moment”, she counselled others. It seemed fitting, then, that the garden opposite the newly renovated school hall shall be dedicated to her upon its upcoming revamp.
Warwick, the homemaker, could not resist collecting seemingly arbitrary items, some of which are from all over the world on her principal’s tours. This included camels, thimbles, teapots, porcelain dolls and teaspoons – neatly presented and preserved. Some of her hobbies were reading, mosaicking, scrapping and knitting.
The community, colleagues, friends, her family, Lloyd Wing (acting principal), school governing body, staff and families of Atholl Heights Primary School will deeply miss this charismatic and loving mentor and role model.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, 28 November at Westville Boys’ High School (MP Centre) at 3pm.
